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At home in Singapore

An Indian going to Singapore should feel quite at home there, especially if he's a Tamilian! Tamil happens to be one of the four official languages of Singapore (the other three being: Mandarin, Malay, and English.) Singapore is a multi-cultural country and has a large population of indigenous Indian people. Here are a few things you must know before you travel to Singapore.

• Greetings
Handshakes are the most common business greeting in Singapore. Wait for your Singaporean counterparts to initiate the handshake before you extend your hand. It is acceptable for women to shake hands with both sexes, but they are expected to initiate the gesture. Alternatively, they may simply nod politely when introduced.

• Corporate culture
Be punctual for business appointments. When Singaporeans meet foreign business people for the first time, business cards are exchanged. Hold your card with both hands when you are giving it (it should face the recipient so he can read it) on receiving it. When someone gives you his card, read it carefully before putting it away. Put your card in a cardholder. Keep the card on the table during discussions. Try to give a card to everyone in the group. You'll need to keep a large reserve ready.

In Singapore, hierarchy reigns (People even enter a room in hierarchical order!) Singaporeans are reserved in nature and very polite, especially in business settings. Never raise your voice, lose your temper or appear to be aggressive. Speak in calm, quiet tones. When asked a question, don't answer straightaway! Pause and appear to give it sufficient thought before you answer.

• Diplomacy is a valued trait in Singaporeans.
They rarely say give a direct "No". "Yes" can mean everything from "I agree" to "maybe" Giving an evasive answer, silence or completely ignoring your question may indicate a negative answer.

• Social etiquette
When invited to a Malay or Indian home, remove your shoes before entering. If you are unsure how to properly eat a dish or which utensils to use, follow someone else's lead. Learn how to handle chopsticks before arriving in Singapore. You may be offered the option of a fork but asking for it may be interpreted as a lack of effort to adapt to the surroundings. When you have eaten your fill, leave a little on your plate. A thoroughly empty plate suggests that you are still hungry. Avoid discussing religion, sex politics and human rights. A few things to remember :

- As a general rule, avoid touching anyone, especially those of the opposite sex. In Singapore it may be seen as aggression or flirtation.
- Pointing with a finger is considered rude. Use your entire hand with the palm up to bring attention to a person or an object.
- Displaying the sole of your foot or the bottom of your shoes is considered disrespectful and rude to some Singaporeans. So try to avoid crossing your legs unless you are seated behind a table or desk
- If you plan to host a party and there are Muslims in the group - select a restaurant, which serves halal food.
- Never chew gum in Singapore. This could get you arrested!
- Don't smoke in shopping centres, restaurants, and cinemas or in places like buses, lifts etc. A maximum fine of S$1,000 is imposed on first offenders.
- Don't litter (or spit in) public places. Singapore has very stringent laws on cleanliness, to say nothing of very heavy fines.
- At customs, be specific when you declare the number of items you're carrying (Don't say a 'couple' of bottles of whisky when you are carrying three or four). A couple means two!

By being well informed about this fascinating country and by speaking of it favourably- you can create a lasting impression on your Singaporean business associates and help you clinch that coveted deal!